(Full time) 2023 start
Civil Engineering MEng, BEng

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Civil engineering is shaping the built environment that surrounds us every day. Roads, railways, hospitals, offices, schools, infrastructure, water and power supply – we depend on civil engineers to design and manage the projects that improve the world we live in and protect the natural environment. Civil Engineers will play a major role in addressing the current climate crisis - sustainability and environmental impact are key elements throughout all years of this degree.
Qualified civil engineers are in demand across the construction sector; exciting roles are also found working for consultancies, local authorities, government departments, utility companies and environmental organisations in the UK and internationally.
Studying civil engineering at Leeds will open up a whole world of opportunities for your career. You’ll develop and fine-tune theoretical and practical abilities and learn to solve problems using analytical, technical and decision-making skills.
Our degree programmes develop world-class civil engineers who actively contribute to sustainable and economic growth whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards and delivering the infrastructure we all rely on in everyday life. That’s one of the reasons why our courses are professionally accredited and are shaped by our world-leading research.
This is a practical course, so you’ll also have access to excellent laboratory facilities, design studio, as well as extensive library facilities and computing equipment, including industry standard software such as Revit (Building Information Modelling), IES (dynamic thermal modelling) and Robot (structural analysis). Our impressive laboratory facilities include specialist facilities for structures, materials, public health engineering, building services and geotechnics – everything you need to get started on your career as a chartered civil engineer.
Why study at Leeds
Graduate with an accredited civil engineering degree which meets the highest quality chartered engineer standards as set by the Engineering Council via the JBM - and from a university ranked 2nd in the UK for Civil Engineering, Guardian University Guide 2022, and top 50 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022.
Work on your own construction design projects, putting into practice what you have learned in lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials; build scale physical models and develop graphical presentation and computer modelling skills using industry standard software.
Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our paid industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.
Experience teaching from a programme team with extensive industry experience, and led by Dr Xiaohui Chen, an Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering.
Take advantage of our world leading research here at Leeds, which helps to address societal and technical challenges with infrastructure around the world.
Make the most of university partnerships which include long-standing collaborations with the Institute for Transport Studies, Robotics at Leeds and the Centre for Global Development and leadership roles in major initiatives including water@leeds, an interdisciplinary centre for water research, the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration, the Centre for Infrastructure Materials, and the Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering.
Have the reassurance of being able to transfer between Civil Engineering and any other of the School’s programmes at the end of the first year, and most of the programmes at the end of the second year, if you wish.
Enhancing your degree
You can choose to study either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng).
During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad (MEng, BEng only) or gain valuable industrial experience through a placement, contributing significantly to your employability when you graduate.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of The Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institution of Civil Engineers under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. An accredited civil engineering course must meet the quality standards set by the JBM.
The MEng, BEng is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer.
The BEng course is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partially satisfying the educational base for Chartered Engineer status (CEng). A course of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.
University of Leeds is proud to be working with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Our partnership will set students on the path to becoming professionally qualified and give them the best possible start to their civil engineering careers.
The Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers along with two other professional bodies (Institute of Highway Engineers and Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation) have formed the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) to work and strengthen links with universities to ensure that educational courses are in place to develop professional engineers that will continue to provide a global contribution to sustainable, economic growth and ethical standards.
See Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) for more information and details of Further Learning courses for CEng.
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Course content
This course lets you sample the whole breadth of civil engineering, with opportunities to specialise as you progress. You’ll study all the major subjects that you need to master as a civil engineer, such as structures, fluids, geotechnics, materials, communications, environmental impact, surveying and mathematics – all reinforced with world-class research and practice. You’ll be exploring creative design issues in practical, real world project settings.
Every degree course within the School of Civil Engineering shares a common first year. You’ll complete six compulsory modules across the range of programmes offered, giving you a firm basis on which to specialise in later years, and the flexibility to switch between courses.
You can choose to study either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng).
Year one
In the first year you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental subjects that underpin civil engineering and the materials and methods available to civil engineers in different contexts.
Year two
You’ll consolidate your technical knowledge, build skills in structural design and analysis as well as engineering mathematics and modelling techniques, learn about the properties of a wide range of materials and put your knowledge in the context of architectural theory and history. You’ll also choose optional modules in year two to explore your interests and help you decide what you might choose to focus on in later years.
Year three
You’ll benefit from a greater variety of optional modules in year three, allowing you to focus on topics such as transport, railway or public health engineering. Core modules will help you to enhance and refine your skills in structural analysis and design, as well as building your knowledge of key topics like water engineering and foundation engineering and allowing you to complete a substantial research project.
(Optional) One-year work placement or study abroad
You can choose to take up a one year industrial placement during your third year (BEng) or during your third or fourth year (MEng, BEng) which will extend your degree by 12 months.
Alternatively, if you choose the four year MEng, BEng programme you can choose to spend your third year studying abroad. This will not extend your studies. You then return to Leeds to complete your final year.
Year four (MEng)
If you choose the MEng, BEng programme, you’ll have an even wider selection of specialist optional modules, which are taught at Masters level and allow you to focus on topics that suit your interests and career plans. A final-year research project will allow you work on a specific area in depth under the guidance of your supervisor.
Every year of your course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.
Find out more about our Projects.
Engineering ethics
You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study.
Find out more about Engineering ethics teaching on this course.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Architecture and Environment 20 credits
- Engineering Surveying and Construction Technology 20 credits
- Structural Design and Analysis 20 credits
- Properties of Materials: Water, Soil, Steel and Timber 20 credits
- Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 1 20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 1 (inc Design Studio 1) 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Structural Design 1 20 credits
- Civil Engineering Materials II 10 credits
- Structural Analysis 1 10 credits
- Water Engineering and Geotechnics 20 credits
- Highway Engineering 10 credits
- Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 2 20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 2 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Transport Planning and Modelling 1 10 credits
- Sustainable Engineering Solutions 10 credits
- Architectural History and Theory 2 10 credits
- Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles 10 credits
- Introduction to Project Management 10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Structural Design 2 20 credits
- Structural Analysis 2 10 credits
- Water Engineering 10 credits
- Wastewater Engineering 10 credits
- Foundation Engineering Fundamentals 10 credits
- Individual Research Project 1 20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 3 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Transport Planning and Modelling 2 10 credits
- Construction Site Fieldcourse 10 credits
- Management of Schedule, Cost and Quality in Projects 20 credits
- Environmental Health Engineering in Developing Countries 10 credits
- Railway Engineering 10 credits
- Highway Engineering 2 10 credits
- Computational Methods for Civil Engineering 10 credits
- Building Physics 2: Services Design 10 credits
- Engineering Geology 10 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Individual Research Project 2 45 credits
- Integrated Design Project 4 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Design and Management of Structures in Earthquake Zones 15 credits
- Advanced Concrete Design - MEng 15 credits
- Deterioration and Maintenance of Concrete Structures (MEng) 15 credits
- Advanced Steel and Composite Design 15 credits
- Water Resource Management 15 credits
- Water Supply 15 credits
- Engineering in Emergencies - MEng 15 credits
- Geotechnical Engineering 15 credits
- Advanced Structural Analysis 15 credits
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industry sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. For example, if you choose the construction site field course module), you’ll apply your knowledge to build replicas of iconic structures.
All our courses are supported by world-leading blended learning technology, using online resources to help you develop your knowledge at your own pace. Our state-of-the-art lecture recording system ensures your lectures will be available for you to review at a convenient time. Our learning and teaching resources will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in an ideal position to compete in science and technology-related careers.
We organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers, researchers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course. Each student will be allocated an industrial tutor who will provide opportunities to experience Civil Engineering working environments on and off site.
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you will receive support from fellow students through our Peer Assisted Study Support (PASS) scheme. PASS mentors are students who are on your course but are in Years two or three. They’ll help you when you arrive at University and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your PASS mentors during your first week for a social activity.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You will be assessed through both written examinations, held at the end of each year, and through coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including Mathematics.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-Levels General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ or IPQ we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level (any required subjects such as Mathematics must still be at grade A).
All applicants must be studying Mathematics at level 3. For most students, this requirement is fulfilled by achieving the required grade in A-level Maths. Applicants for whom this requirement is to be fulfilled via qualifications other than A-levels (eg BTEC Maths and Additional/Further Maths modules) may be required to take a diagnostic Maths test in addition to their other level 3 maths studies. This is to ensure a suitable level of mathematical literacy.
GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction (including an appropriate number of Mathematics modules) and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
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BTEC
D*DD (RQF) with Distinctions in all Mathematics units including Maths and Further Maths (and/or other appropriate maths units) plus an interview and diagnostic Maths test. Some units may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.
Please note - there may be different requirements for the older QCF BTEC's, please contact Admissions.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in HL Mathematics.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics, and AABBB at Higher level.
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T-Levels
T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction at Distinction, with A level Mathematics at grade B or higher.
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Other Qualifications
Engineering or Construction Diploma: A (plus A-level Mathematics at grade A or above).
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including Mathematics.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
There are a variety of exciting career opportunities awaiting you when you graduate – from some of the largest construction organisations in the world to specialist building design consultancies and multi-disciplinary firms. Civil engineering graduates are in great demand and University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research.
Typically, the majority of graduates each year secure professional or managerial positions and take their first steps in their career in the core contracting and consulting arms of the UK’s £30bn civil engineering industry. The technical, communication and management skills you will develop are also in demand from other sectors such as international finance, investment banking and large scale project management.
Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:
Civil Engineer, AECOM
Senior Transport Engineer, African Development Bank
Contracts Manager, Alfred McAlpine Construction
Global Highways Business Leader, Arup
Project Engineer, Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Limited
Senior Engineer, Capita Infrastructure
Senior Engineer, City Engineering Services - Newcastle City Council
Civil/Structural Engineer, Harris & Sutherland
Principal Structural Engineer, Highways Agency
Consulting Engineer, Jacobs UK Ltd
Civil Engineer, Mott Mcdonald
Head of Track & Civils, Network Rail
Senior Civil Engineer, Taylor Wimpey plc
Capital Project Manager, Thames Water
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On the four year MEng, BEng degree course, you can choose to spend your third year studying abroad. The optional study abroad year does not extend your studies – you simply complete your third year at one of the universities in our international partner programme. You then return to Leeds to complete your final year.
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to travel further afield whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.
Find out more about Study Abroad in the School of Civil Engineering.
Work placements
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also improve your employability and help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market.
Benefits of a work placement year:
100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
All placements are salaried
Build industry contacts within your chosen field
Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
Improve your employability
You can choose to take up a one year industrial placement during your third year (BEng and MEng, BEng) which will extend your degree by 12 months. On successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.
Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:
BAM Nuttall
JBA Bentley
Holdgate Consulting
Mott MacDonald
Laing O’Rourke
Find out more about Industrial placements.